Pizza Dough

Cup of Yum
1. Prepare your dough first by combining 1 cup of flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Combine oil and warm water and use a wooden spoon to stir. Add the water mixture to the flour mixture and stir very well until smooth.
3. Gradually add remaining flour until completely combined and dough is sticky and cohesive and pulling away from the sides of the bowl as you mix.
4. Brush a large bowl with olive oil and place your dough in the bowl. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place in a warm place and allow it to rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
5. Once dough is finished rising, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a pizza pan with parchment paper and set aside.
6. Gently deflate the dough with your hands and transfer to a clean, lightly floured surface. Dust dough with additional flour and use a rolling pin to roll out to 12" wide circle. Transfer to prepared pizza pan and roll over the edges to form a crust. Brush the whole surface of the crust with olive oil and then add your Margherita Pizza Toppings.

Margherita Pizza Toppings

1. Stir minced garlic into your pizza sauce and then evenly spread sauce over the center of the pizza.
2. Top with about half of your basil leaves and then evenly distribute plum tomato slices over the top. Scatter mozzarella cheese evenly over the tomatoes (see second picture in post) and then top with remaining basil ribbons.
3. Transfer to 425°F oven and bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and just beginning to turn golden brown.
4. Slice, and serve!